The election of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense by Donald Trump places the world's most powerful military in the hands of a leader less experienced than has been seen in decades. Political and military officials around the world turned to the internet to search for details about the candidate's background. One added that the bloc needs to take the election results as a wake-up call and realize it cannot depend on the United States for security.
More recently, as co-host of Fox News' weekend morning show, Hegseth has been a fervent supporter of Trump and his views on US military reforms aimed at reversing progressive causes like LGBTQ rights. Hegseth has also backed Trump's attempts at diplomatic agreements to resolve global security issues, including a failed attempt to reach a deal with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un during Trump's first term to reduce the nuclear and missile threat from Pyongyang.
"We need someone in that position who is a strong and focused leader," said Emily Harding, a former CIA officer who is now a director of programs at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "I question President-elect Trump's choice of a television news host to take on this immensely important role."
Trump's nomination has profound consequences as Washington faces a series of security challenges, from Russia's war in Ukraine to the risks of regional escalation in the Middle East and a more assertive and well-armed China. It is also symbolically significant, as the world reassesses the place of the United States that has been shaped by Trump's "America First" rhetoric since his first term. In recent appearances, Hegseth has made it clear that he views China as America's primary strategic concern, and in an interview, he pointed out that Beijing is "specifically dedicated to defeating the United States of America."
"They have a full-spectrum, long-term vision of dominance not only regionally but globally," he said. When journalists asked Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo about Hegseth's nomination on Wednesday, he said: "We are happy to see any nominations of people who are friends of Taiwan."
While there is a consensus across the political spectrum in the United States that China is the primary military challenge, President Joe Biden has also provided billions of dollars in financial aid and weapons to help Ukraine fight the Russian invasion, and Trump during the campaign indicated he might not uphold that commitment. "If you want to be effective in dealing with China, you need friends and allies in NATO, as Trump understood during his first administration," said Oana Lungescu, a member of the RUSI think tank and former NATO spokesperson. "You also need to avoid viewing the Indo-Pacific scenario in isolation from the Euro-Atlantic, because China does not."
European officials are concerned that President Vladimir Putin’s victory in Ukraine could expose NATO's eastern flank countries to Russian threats. In recent statements, Hegseth has also expressed skepticism about US military intervention in Europe. Others warn that the candidate's views are less concerning than Trump's own attitudes toward European security. A US defense official said it was unusual to choose someone who has never held a high-level position.
Unlike previous defense secretaries, Hegseth has not served at high levels in the military or government. A senior European diplomat said his lack of experience is not encouraging. Among his recent predecessors, Lloyd Austin and Jim Mattis were generals, while Bob Gates led the CIA. "The Secretary of Defense position should not be an entry-level role," said Adam Smith, the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, in a statement. In an interview, he said he did not believe that a victory in Ukraine would embolden Putin. "If Ukraine can defend itself against that, great, but I do not want US intervention to deeply engage in Europe," he said.
Another European diplomat said those statements are concerning and advised colleagues not to underestimate him. "Someone who can establish a vision for a new military in a new era of strategic competition, someone mature with a long background and the credibility to bring about real change." After graduating in 2003, Hegseth was appointed an infantry captain and served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
